Mayor Announces Partnership with Cape Ann Chamber
Chamber to take over coordination of annual city block parties

Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken announced recently that the City will be partnering with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce in order to coordinate the downtown block parties this year.

As the residents of Gloucester know well, the annual block parties are a festive and busy time. For years, they were overseen by volunteers. During that time, the block parties have grown drawing more and more people to the downtown area. This year is not expected to be any different. In order to maximize the opportunity that the block parties present and to ensure that participation and revenues continue to grow, the City has enlisted the help of the Cape Ann Chamber and its business membership to promote and serve all those who will attend.

“The annual block parties are an important time for Gloucester to shine,” said Mayor Theken. “This was a perfect transition for us to the Chamber because the Chamber has the interest and the resources needed to continue to grow the block parties. I would like to wish them luck; I can’t wait for summer!”

“We look forward to working with the City to make the Block Parties better than ever”, said Ken Riehl, CEO of the Chamber. “We hope to bring a renewed energy to this great tradition!”

Save the Dates for the 2016 Block Parties: Saturday, July 16 & August 20, and Friday, September 2.
About the City of Gloucester

America’s oldest seaport, the City of Gloucester is known throughout the world as an authentic, working waterfront community, a place of spectacular natural beauty, and home to a diverse population of about 30,000 residents. An important center for the fishing industry, Gloucester also is proud of its vibrant cultural life and rich art heritage as one of the premier art colonies in the United States. In addition, the city is a destination for thousands of visitors who visit the harbor and its beaches during the summertime. In recent years, Gloucester has been actively diversifying its traditional maritime economy, adding leading small research institutions such as the UMass Amherst Large Pelagics Research Laboratory and the Ocean Alliance to the array of local businesses and state and federal agencies working in the city. Recent advancements in Gloucester include new investments in marine robotics and new product development from the fishery.

Ever dreamed of visiting the wonders of the Azores? Join us this Thursday night at the Azorean Restaurant in Gloucester from 5:00 – 6:30 PM for an informational meeting about this fantastic upcoming trip!  This is a FREE info session.  RSVP for the meeting here.

Also this week….

Join us this Friday Morning, February 26 at 7:30 AM for the Economic Outlook Breakfast!

We are happy to announce that Rick Lord, President & CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Inc.,will be the keynote speaker for our Economic Outlook Breakfast. Rick will speak about his perspective on our regional and statewide prospects for the coming year, including his insights on GE’s decision to relocate to Boston.

Tickets are $30 and includes a light breakfast catered by Inspired Cooking by Laurie Lufkin.
Register Here for the Economic Outlook Breakfast.

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Connections Adventure Travel invite you to visit the Azores. Sign up to experience the Wonders of the Azores from September 23 – October 2, 2016! Join us at the Azorean Restaurant for an informational meeting to learn everything you need to know about this fantastic trip.

Informational Meeting
The Azorean Restaurant
Thursday, February 25, 2016

RSVP Here for this FREE informational meeting.

CHAMBER PRESENTS THE 2016 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BREAKFAST FEBRUARY 26

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Economic Outlook Breakfast on Friday, February 26, at The Elks at Bass Rocks, 101 Atlantic Road, Gloucester. Check-in, networking and breakfast will start at 7:30 AM and the program will begin at 8:00 AM.

This year the Chamber welcomes Rick Lord, President & CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Inc. Lord will speak about his perspective on our regional and statewide prospects for the coming year, including his insights on GE’s decision to relocate to Boston.

Richard C. Lord is President and Chief Executive Officer of Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM). AIM is a state-wide employer advocacy and service organization of more than 4,500 member companies. Prior to joining AIM, Mr. Lord served as Chief of Staff for the Committee on Ways and Means of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The Committee is responsible for all legislation involving state funds and revenues, including the Commonwealth’s annual budget and all tax related matters. Mr. Lord was employed by the Committee for six years, serving as the Budget Director before being promoted to the Chief of Staff position.

Mr. Lord is a member of several boards and also chairs the Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund Advisory Panel. He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority.

A light breakfast at The Elks at Bass Rocks is included and the program will conclude by 9:00 a.m. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased online at capeannchamber.com or by calling the Chamber office 978-283-1601.

About the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce: The mission of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is to serve as the principal voice of business in Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport while working to enhance both the economic environment and the quality of life for the citizens of Cape Ann.

The Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce has some wonderful events planned for the month of February!  Join us at our Winter Wine Down, QuickBooks Seminar, Economic Outlook Breakfast and more!

Businesswomen’s Winter Wine Down
We will be gatherieng at Katrina’s Bar & Grill, 14 Rogers Street, Gloucester, on Monday, February 1, 2016, from 6:00-8:00pm.

A fun-filled night is planned! Not only will we have plenty of time for Networking, a glass of wine and some yummy Katrina’s appetizers, but at 7:00 we will kick-off Karaoke Fun Time with Jay!
REGISTER HERE.

QuickBooks Seminar
Join us for a ‘Refresher to QuickBooks” Seminar- two days: Tuesday, February 2 & Thursday, February 4, 2016, from 5:30-8:30pm, at Gloucester High

The class will be geared toward Small Business owners and Bookkeepers. A working knowledge of Quickbooks is beneficial.
REGISTER HERE.

Economic Outlook Breakfast
We are happy to announce that Rick Lord, President & CEO of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Inc.,will be the keynote speaker for our Economic Outlook Breakfast this year, on Friday, February 26, 2016, from 7:30-9:00am, at the Elks at Bass Rocks. Rick will speak about his perspective on our regional and statewide prospects for the coming year, including his insights on GE’s decision to relocate to Boston.

Tickets are $30 and includes a light breakfast catered by Laurie Lufkin.
REGISTER HERE.

 

Tomorrow night the Cape Ann Divas will take the stage at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport for to perform a fabulous concert!  There are still tickets left to attend this wonderful event presented by the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce – join us! The details are below.  Get your tickets here!

Join us for a refresher course QuickBooks Seminar- two days: Tuesday, February 2 & Thursday, February 4, 2016, from 5:30-8:30pm, at Gloucester High School, Room # 3204.

Attendees will be given a refresher course on QuickBooks Pro software. The class will be geared toward Small Business owners and Bookkeepers.

Instructor: Mary Lou Balbo is a senior accountant with the CPA firm, Horvitz & Frisch, PC, located at 128 Main Street, Gloucester. Mary Lou has 30+ years of accounting, bookkeeping and tax preparation Experience. Horvitz & Frisch, PC, offers computer cnsulting and bookkeeping training, in addition to accounting and financial services.

Class size is limited. Payment is required to hold a reservation.
REGISTER HERE.

Tuesday, February 02, 2016 5:30 PM
AND
Thursday, February 04, 2016 8:30 PM

Gloucester High School
Leslie O. Johnson Rd.
Gloucester , MA 01930
QuickBooks Seminar 2016

For mor information or to reserve your space, please call Kerry at the Chamber office 978-283-1601

The Chamber has some exciting events happening this month – please join us!

January Business After Hours at Manchester Athletic Club
Come Mix & Mingle with other area business leaders at one of Cape Ann’s finest athletic facilities.  See this state-of-the-art facility and learn about their programs that will keep  you fit in 2016. REGISTER HERE.

FREE Email Marketing Seminar – The Power of the Inbox
(for Chamber Members)
Please join us for a Brown Bag Lunch (bring your own) Seminar on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.  This excellent FREE seminar, The Power of the Inbox, will teach you the ins and outs of email marketing for your business.  REGISTER HERE.

The 94th Annual Celebration & Cape Ann Divas Concert
This year we are planning something new and different for our Annual Dinner- we are changing up the format!  We will still be celebrating our incoming President- Matt Anzivino- and our outgoing President- Catherine Schlichte, but instead of a sit down dinner, we will be hosting an elegant Cocktail Party upstairs at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, with stunning views of the ocean and the Rockport coastline.  After the reception, we will enter the Music Hall for an evening of entertainment by the Cape Ann Divas. Tickets are available for the full event ($100) and concert only ($50)  PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

Support the Cape Ann communities this holiday season by gifting your loved ones a Cape Ann License Plate!  For only $40, your friends and family can ride in style.

The proceeds from the Cape Ann License Plates will go back into our community in the form of Promotion of our region, Economic Development and Education.  Learn more at lovecapeann.com.

The Chamber is currently in the process of gathering our first batch of applications to submit to the registry for printing.  We are excited to see these wonderful plates on the road!

Holiday Festivities for the Whole Family – on Cape Ann!
Join the seaside family-friendly celebrations that cap off a fun-filled holiday season

This time of year is filled with community traditions and holiday events in Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. With a wide array of wonderful celebrations, visiting Cape Ann is a must this holiday season.

Starting with Small Business Saturday on November 28th, be sure to shop local and support your favorite businesses in all four communities with holiday shopping. Many of the businesses are participating in Small Business Saturday and will have exciting promotions available.

The whole of Cape Ann will be bustling during the month of December. All four communities have many events that local residents and visitors are invited to enjoy.

Essex – The holiday festivities begin in Essex on Thursday, December 3rd with the Lighting of the Memory Tree in Honor of Lost Loved Ones at Town Hall at 6:00 PM. The following day, Friday, December 4th, Santa arrives at Town Landing by boat at 6:00 PM. Children and families are invited to join for carols, refreshments and the chance to sit on Santa’s Lap. On Saturday, December 5th, Breakfast with Santa will be held at Essex Elementary School from 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM. The cost is $10 per person or $40 for the family.

Gloucester – On Sunday, November 29th, the Gloucester Christmas Parade begins at the State Fish Pier at 3:00 PM and marches through the streets of Gloucester, ending at Kent Circle for the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:00 PM. Thursday, December 3rd will mark the 42nd Annual Ladies’ Night. Enjoy shopping and refreshments in the downtown shops as well as exciting deals and discounts from 5:00-10:00 PM. On Tuesday, December 8th, Temple Ahavat Achim will hold a ceremony to light the first candle on the Lobster Trap Menorah. Thursday, December 10th will be another opportunity to shop downtown during the 2nd Annual Employee Night from 5:00 -10:00 PM. Don’t miss the Middle Street Walk on Saturday, December 12th. From 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM historic house tours, concerts and special programs will be featured on Middle Street. On Sunday, December 13th shops will be open with refreshments and special discounts for Family and Friends Day from noon-5:00 PM. As we get closer to Christmas, Men’s Night will be held on Thursday, December 17th from 5:00 – 10:00 PM. Finally, make sure to stop by the front of the Police Station at 4:30 PM on Saturday, December 19th for a truly unique Gloucester tradition, the lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree, decorated by the children of Cape Ann Art Haven.

Manchester-by-the-Sea – The events of Christmas by the Sea are also not to be missed. Visit the downtown merchants for Shop Manchester Night on Friday, December 4th from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. On Shop Manchester Night, get your passbook stamped at all participating shops. Turn it in to 7 Central by 8:00 PM for the drawing; the winner will receive an Apple Watch! There will be great deals and discounts along with refreshments in the shops. Spend the day in Manchester on Saturday, December 5th, starting with a Pancake Breakfast from 8:00-10:00 AM at 7 Central Restaurant. This day is designated as Give Back Saturday! Drop off an unwrapped gift, in support of Action, Inc.’s Project Uplift, to Essen from 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM and receive a Manchester Card which allows for exclusive deals from the Manchester-by-the-Sea Merchants on that day only. In the afternoon, Santa will arrive by boat at 1:00 PM. Enjoy festivities in Masconomo Park and Manchester Community Center until 3:00 PM. The following day, Sunday, December 6th there will be a Christmas Concert at 3:30 PM at First Parish Church. The Lighting of the Friendship Tree & Festival of the Trees will be held at the Town Hall Common at 4:30 PM.

Rockport – Shop Rockport Weekend kicks off the Christmas in Rockport holiday festivities on November 27th and 28th. The weekend is dedicated to supporting local small businesses and will include exciting offers from the downtown shops. Friday, December 4th is Shop Rockport Night. Shops will be open from 4:00-9:00 PM for the occasion and will offer special deals and refreshments for shoppers. On the following day, Saturday, December 5th, Santa will arrive at T-Wharf by boat at 1:00 PM and will make his way to Dock Square for a Christmas celebration and to visit with children. Festivities will continue in the square with Christmas Carols and the Tree Lighting Ceremony at 4:00 PM, also at Dock Square. Christmas Shopping and Gallery Stroll Weekend is on December 12th and 13th. The shops and galleries of Rockport will be open, each offering different promotions. A unique event that engages the entire community, the 70th Annual Christmas Pageant, starts at 5:00 PM on Saturday, December 19th. The celebrations are capped off with Rockport New Year’s Eve with live music and entertainment from 6:00 PM to midnight, to ring in the new year.

To learn more about the events listed above contact the Call the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce at (978) 283-1601. Event information can also be found by visiting the following pages.

http://capeannvacations.com/events-calendar/
https://www.facebook.com/christmasbythesea/
https://www.facebook.com/christmasinrockport/

###